Hip hop emerged in the Dominican Republic in the late 1980s, influenced by Puerto Rican and American rap. Various radio competitions, including Viva Rap ’89, and local groups helped popularize this musical genre in the capital, Santo Domingo. At the time, Jay Key “La Jeva Del Caché” was the only woman to participate in Viva Rap ’89.
On the island, as in Latin America, rap became an important vehicle for empowerment, the fight against inequality, and feminist struggles. Often marginalized in traditional circles, some Dominican artists have used their music to express social demands and are part of this raptivism movement.
Thus, from the 2000s onwards, several female rappers began to emerge and establish themselves on the Dominican scene, helping to evolve the genre. Among them, Melymel is the most emblematic figure.
Melymel
Originally from Santo Domingo, Melymel is nicknamed “La Mama del Rap.” She began her career in 2006 with a mixtape that was a huge success, thanks in particular to the track “Mermalada Pal Pan.” Alongside her musical career, she is also an actress, which has contributed to her local and international fame.
Tokischa
Tokischa began a modeling career before turning to music. She has enjoyed significant success with songs such as “Que Viva” and has collaborated with international stars such as J. Balvin, Rosalía, and Madonna.
La Materialista
Born in Santiago de los Caballeros, La Materialista is a singer, rapper, and actress considered one of the pioneers of rap in the Dominican Republic. She began her career in 2006 with the group Alia2 before going solo in 2008 with hit songs such as “Mundo Oscuro.” Her style combines reggaeton, rap, dembow, bachata, and pop.
La Ross María
La Ross María started rapping at the age of 14 and participated in numerous freestyle competitions before releasing her own songs. She has collaborated with international artists such as Romeo Santos and has become a rising figure in Dominican urban music, with a strong presence on TikTok and Instagram.
Lismar
Lismar took music and singing lessons for two years before starting to write her own songs during the pandemic. She gained recognition through her videos on social media and signed with the Roc Nation label. She is considered one of the most promising emerging artists on the Dominican rap scene.
J Noa
Nicknamed « La Hija del Rap », J Noa is from San Cristobal. At just 17 years old, she is known for her socially conscious lyrics, which deal with the realities of her life and her neighborhood. She is signed to Sony Music Entertainment and has become a leading figure in the new wave of female rappers.
Heidy Brown
Heidy Brown began her career at a time when Dominican rap was booming and made her mark on the local scene with her polished compositions and socially conscious lyrics. The artist criticizes the current trend of prioritizing virality on social media over musical quality and advocates for rap where writing takes center stage.
Arianna Puello
Arianna Puello is known for her feminist activism in rap, using her music to address social issues and defend women’s rights. Although of Dominican origin, she has made a name for herself on the hip hop scene in Spain and Latin America, becoming an important voice in Spanish-language feminist rap.
